Talks on-going to re-open Nantyglo leisure centre

THE GROUP behind a bid to save Nantyglo leisure centre say that even if they are successful, the centre will not reopen until later in the year.

Nantyglo Community Leisure are in ongoing talks with Blaenau Gwent Council to set up a community transfer.

However, even if they do manage to take the leisure centre on, the group say they will not be able to reopen in April as was first hoped, but are working to try and get at least part of the centre up and running later in the year.

Nantyglo Community Leisure is a not-for-profit registered company run by volunteers and paid staff who hope to take over the running of the leisure centre from the council.

In a post on the groups Facebook page, Stella Hazell, one of the directors of the group, said: “Communities First and GAVO are also working hard to help us through this extremely complicated project and another group that we have added is made up of local people from various walks of life with an interest in sport, and the health and wellbeing of our community.”

The group had a meeting with the council on February 17 and say that council have agreed to consider an asset transfer of the Nantyglo centre providing that the group can meet their requirements within their business and sustainability plans.

Ms Hazell added: “We are aware how badly the closure of Nantyglo leisure centre has impacted on so many of the residents of Brynmawr, Nantyglo and Blaina. Although we will not be able to reopen the centre in April as was first hoped, we are all working hard to try and get at least part of it back in use later in the year.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We have received an application from a third sector organisation in relation to Nantyglo Sports Centre, which will be considered in line with the council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.”

The decision was announced in August as part of Blaenau Gwent Council’s attempt to address a £10 million deficit.

Last week Blaenau Gwent Council announced they are proposing to establish a leisure trust to operate the leisure, cultural and community learning facilities and services.

The new organisation, called Life Leisure Trust will cover sports centres, sports development inspire team, libraries, community education centres, Parc Bryn Bach, Bedwellty House and Park, arts and cultural venues and heritage.

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